2023 Africa Cup of Nations: Five must-watch games in the group stages including Ivory Coast v Nigeria

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is set to kick off on January 13 2024, serving football fans across the continent and beyond a highly anticipated slate of competitive fixtures in the group stage.

While every match featuring Africa's premier talents promises entertainment, a few fixtures stand out as must-watch affairs.

1. Nigeria v Ivory Coast

The headliner emerges right out of Group A action on January 18th as regional heavyweights Ivory Coast and Nigeria renew their storied rivalry.

These two African stalwarts rarely fail to produce fireworks when matched up, featuring well-known stars like Ivorian Wilfried Zaha against reigning African football king and Nigerian ace, Victor Osimhen.

With the two sides favored to progress, their initial group stage bout could determine who claims top billing.

Time: 17:00 WAT

Venue: Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan

2. Senegal v Cameroon

On January 19, Group C's enduring derby between African champions Senegal and one of the pre-tournament AFCON favorites Cameroon promises a world class display of skill.

Senegal's Sadio Mané may have moved to the middle-east, but the former Liverpool star remains the focal point against Cameroon's own European icon in Manchester United's goalkeeper André Onana.

This meeting of distinguished managers Aliou Cissé and Rigobert Song serves up worthy of a final itself.

Time: 18:00 WAT

Venue: Stade Charles Konan Banny De Yamoussoukro

3. Ghana v Egypt

In Group B, Ghana's January 18 battle with record 7-time champions Egypt also deserves marquee status given the history between these regional adversaries.

Ghana will attempt to shackle the fast-flowing Egyptian offense led by global superstar Mohamed Salah.

Meanwhile, striker Jordan Ayew spearheads the Black Stars' penetration of Egypt's traditionally sturdy defense alongside his brother Andre Ayew, in a classic attack versus defense showdown.

Time: 21:00 WAT

Venue: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan

4. Tunisia vs Mali

While Group E may lack a clear favorite, Tunisia's clash with Mali on January 20 promises opportunities for individual talents like Tunisian hitman Whabi Khazri and Malian sharpshooter Ibrahima Koné to sway the outcome.

Given Tunisia's recent AFCON quarterfinal pedigree and with Mali as hard fighting underdogs, their drive to advance from a wide-open group should deliver an enthralling spectacle.

Time:  21:00 WAT

Venue: Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, Korhogo

5. South Africa v Tunisia

Lastly on January 24, Group E brings another highly anticipated meeting with South Africa clashing with Tunisia's traditionally defensively disciplined outfit. 

South Africa will bank on Al Ahly sensation Percy Tau penetrating Tunisia's organized backline to pull an early upset en route to the knockout phase. 

Time: 18:00 WAT

Venue: Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, Korhogo

Stuffed with bitter regional rivalries, European league stars, master tacticians and championships hopefuls - AFCON 2023's group stage serves up no shortage of elite matches worth canceling all plans to witness the action unfold.

Ejim Kaycee

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